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DUI Attorney: The 3 Things You Should Always Do If You’re Pulled Over

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It can be nerve-wracking when you suddenly hear a police siren blare behind you as you make your way home—especially if you know you have had just had a drink. “It’s not that bad”, you think to yourself. “It was only one glass of wine with dinner. I should be fine.” Unfortunately, even “one glass” may be enough to tip you past the legal BAC limit of .08 percent in Federal Way and the rest of Washington.

Fortunately, there are certain things that you can and should do to help your case. If you ever find yourself in situation where a police officer is pulling you over, follow the tips below. These tips will undoubtedly help you and your DUI attorney in the event that police officers decide to press charges:

dui checkpoint

Keep Your Mouth Shut

Your right to remain to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination can be used even if a police officer has not yet read you your Miranda Rights. Many police officers will try to engage you in small talk to get you to incriminate yourself. For example if you inform the officer that you’re just on your way home from dinner with friends, you’ve just set yourself up for the inevitable follow-up question of whether you drank or not.

Talking to an officer can create other problems. An officer may be able to smell alcohol on your breath, or may tell you that you’re slurring your words. Don’t forget that every little detail from your exchange will be recorded in a police report later on, so don’t give an officer more details that can be used against you.

Stay Polite

Be as polite to the officer as possible, even if he or she becomes visibly angry. There is no excuse for being rude or argumentative with the officer, and it can only harm your case later on. If the officer asks you any questions, simply answer “I have nothing to say officer” as politely as possible. If you must give information, only provide the basics: name, address, age, etc.

Decline the Field Sobriety Test

Never ever take field sobriety tests. These tests are notorious for being highly subjective, as well as being incredibly difficult to perform even when sober. There is also the fact that there is no objective “pass” or “fail” standard for these tests.

In the event that you are still arrested by the officer under suspicion of a DUI, let him or her know that you would like to get in touch with a respected DUI defense lawyer, such as Attorney Kim E. Hunter. You are legally allowed to have a private conversation with your lawyer prior to questioning and the like.

SOURCES:

How To Protect Your Rights During A DUI Traffic Stop
motorists.org

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